Features

Volkstrauertag — Day of National Mourning

by Gina Hutchins-Inman
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
November 11, 2022
A wreath honoring service member and civilian victims sits outside St. Nikolaus Church in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, during the German National Day of Mourning, Nov. 14, 2021. The National Day of Mourning was first observed in 1952, and commemorates members of the armed forces of all nations and civilians who died in armed conflicts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman John R. Wright)

In Germany the National Day of Mourning is always celebrated on the 33rd Sunday of the year. In 2022 it will be observed on Nov. 13.

The Sunday is observed in commemoration of members of the armed forces of all nations and civilians who died in armed conflicts. It was first observed in 1952 and recently also includes any victims of violent oppression and acts of terrorism.

By tradition, speeches to tribute the service men and civilian victims are held at ceremonies in cemeteries within the Kaiserslautern Military Community.  Leading representatives of the United States Air Force and Army are invited to lay wreaths together with local German officials and military counterparts.

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